Kenya’s national U-17 women’s team, the Junior Starlets, played out a tactical 0-0 draw against league side Ulinzi Starlets on Friday at the Kasarani Annex. The friendly match served as a critical litmus test for the squad, led by Head Coach Mildred Cheche, as they enter the final stretch of preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Faced with a physically imposing and experienced Ulinzi side, the Junior Starlets demonstrated impressive defensive discipline.
The match was defined by structured play and a tactical battle in the midfield, where the young national players successfully neutralized the attacking movements of one of the top teams in the Kenyan Women’s Premier League.
The current squad represents a significant generational shift for Kenya. With many players from the history-making 2024 World Cup squad having transitioned to the U-20 ranks, Coach Cheche has spent the last month blending fresh talent scouted from across the country.
Regarding the team’s progress, Coach Cheche noted, “We have a young and new squad; the players are blending well and adapting to our style of play. We haven’t played Namibia before, so we are preparing ourselves the best way we can.”
Despite the lack of goals, the technical bench observed several positives during the match. The defensive line remained firm under high-pressure situations, showing great composure against seasoned strikers.
Furthermore, the high intensity of the fixture allowed the coaches to evaluate player combinations, physical fitness, and endurance levels. Despite their youth, the players displayed the growing chemistry necessary for the upcoming high-stakes matches.
The result of this preparation carries great weight as Kenya aims to secure one of the five African slots for the global showpiece. The journey officially begins next month with a crucial encounter against Namibia. The first leg is scheduled to take place on April 12, 2026, in Windhoek, Namibia, followed by the return leg in Nairobi six days later on April 18.
As the team continues its buildup for the Namibian assignment, the primary focus will now shift toward sharpening the attack and capitalizing on goal-scoring opportunities. If the Junior Starlets can pair their current defensive organization with clinical finishing, they are well-positioned to achieve a historic second consecutive World Cup appearance.
